Traumatic Brain Injuries

Guidance Through the Aftermath of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1.7 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) every year and that a new TBI occurs every 15 seconds. Brain injuries can be caused by any number of events – from falls and sports injuries to car accidents and assault – and can result in a range of devastating outcomes.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) STATISTICS

An estimated 1.7 million people sustain a TBI annually, leading to 52,000 deaths, 275,000 hospitalizations, and 1.365 million emergency room visits.

TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the United States.

About 75% of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild traumatic brain injury.

Men are at twice the risk for TBI as women.

TBI is the leading cause of death for individuals over the age of 45.

TBIs cost $60 billion in the United States in 2000.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CAUSES

Falls: Falls are the leading cause of TBI. Rates are highest for children aged 0 to 4 years and for adults aged 75 years and older.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of TBI-related death. Rates are highest for adults aged 20 to 24 years.

Assault: Violence accounts for a number of TBIs every year; blunt-force trauma to the head is the common cause.

Struck by/Against Accidents: A TBI can occur when a person is hit by a falling object or strikes their head against an object. This can happen in a variety of situations, including work-related accidents.

Cerebral Hypoxia/Anoxia: Lack of oxygen to the brain can also cause a TBI. This can happen when a person chokes or is strangled, or can be the result of a medical mistake.

BRAIN INJURY WARNING SIGNS

Numbness

Excessive drowsiness

Severe headache

Weakness in the arms or legs

Dizziness or loss of vision

Slurred speech

Loss of consciousness or confusion

Vomiting or nausea

THE AFTERMATH OF TBI

A TBI can lead to a variety of health issues ranging from memory loss and trouble sleeping to seizures, coma, and death. Studies have indicated that it can take up to 10 years to fully recover from a TBI. The cost can be a tremendous burden on the individuals and their families, but that is only the beginning. Survivors may also suffer cognitive, sensory, motor, and emotional impairments for the rest of their lives.

LEGAL OPTIONS

If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI, you may choose to hire an attorney to help you recover damages. An attorney can help relieve the burdens faced by TBI survivors and their families by working to get compensation for: